Puel positive he can keep Anfield quiet once again

CLAUDE PUEL has told his side not to be overwhelmed by the unique Anfield cup night atmosphere, having recorded an unlikely win against Liverpool there with Lyon. Jurgen Klopp’s side will hope for another famous night in front of the Kop this evening as they attempt to overturn Southampton’s 1-0 lead in their EFL Cup semi-final. But Saints boss Puel has taken inspiration from a 2-1 victory on Merseyside with a team in turmoil during the 2009-10 Champions League group stage. Puel was at odds with Lyon players for a raft of injuries they believed were caused by an extreme fitness drive in pre-season, which included cross-country skiing. The revolt peaked when Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan confronted Puel in a rage on the touchline during a match against St Etienne. Despite the split and half of his side playing through injury, Puel pulled off the win courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Cesar Delgado. ‘It’s special to play at Liverpool,’ Puel said. ‘It’s a good thing, we are not afraid. I’ve been there and won. ‘It was great for players to feel this atmosphere. It is one of the best. The pressure is all for them.’ With Jose Fonte sold to West Ham and Virgil van Dijk injured, the inexperienced Jack Stephens, 22, is set to be thrown in at centre back. He has only started for Saints three times, but Puel is confident he can keep out the most prolific attack in the Premier League this season. ‘I have all my confidence with Jack,’ Puel said. ‘He is intelligent and can anticipate the action. It’s important to have confidence.’ Meanwhile, Saints’ Oriol Romeu has signed a new deal until 2021.